-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
kwashiorkor
noun
kwash·i·or·kor
ˌkwä-shē-ˈȯr-kər
-ȯr-ˈkȯr
: severe malnutrition in infants and children especially of impoverished regions caused by a diet low in protein
Examples of kwashiorkor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, Calvin’s lack of protein had swollen his abdomen and legs, a particular type of malnutrition called kwashiorkor.
—Julia Michie Bruckner, Discover Magazine, 13 Nov. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Ga (Kwa language of coastal Ghana) kwàṣìɔkɔ́ influence a child is said to be under when a second child comes
First Known Use
1935, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near kwashiorkor
Cite this Entry
“Kwashiorkor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kwashiorkor. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
kwashiorkor
noun
kwash·i·or·kor
ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kər
: a disease of young children resulting from not getting enough protein to eat
Medical Definition
kwashiorkor
noun
kwa·shi·or·kor
ˌkwäsh-ē-ˈȯr-kȯr
-ȯ(r)-ˈkȯr
: severe malnutrition chiefly affecting young children especially of impoverished regions that is characterized by failure to grow and develop, changes in the pigmentation of the skin and hair, edema, fatty degeneration of the liver, anemia, and apathy and is caused by a diet excessively high in carbohydrate and extremely low in protein compare pellagra
More from Merriam-Webster on kwashiorkor
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kwashiorkor
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share